There’s a lot of wonderful, shiny things out there in the world, especially this time of the year. You can’t go anywhere without seeing twinkling holiday lights or shiny tinsels. You know what’s not so wonderful? Shiny, oily skin. 

If you’re prone to oily skin, you might have noticed that your skin gets even slicker during the winter months. When the cold air (and high-octane heating systems) kick up, it can seriously dry out your skin. And in exchange, your oil production goes into overdrive to overcompensate.

Oily skin requires some different methods as treatment than you might normally expect. It also requires the right kind of “maintenance,” so to speak. Unsure of what to do? Here are five easy-to-follow (We mean it!) tips to keep things slick-free:

1. Know The Right Way To Cleanse

Oily skin requires its own special regimen to care for. It’s not just a matter of squeaky-clean scrubbing. You need to use the most gentle cleansers you can find - nothing harsh and filled with foaming sulfates that might dry out your skin, which will only make matters worse for your oil-producing pores.

Toners can also be helpful for skin that’s overproducing oil, so find a gentle one to follow your cleansing regimen. Avoid any thick moisturizers - they can trap oil in your pores and lead to a breakout. Light creams and serum-like formulations are going to be your best bet for keeping your oil-prone skin plump and hydrated.

2. Exfoliate Wisely

Pore-clogging dead skin cells are another major cause of oily skin. As the dead cells get trapped in your pores, your oil production increases. Therefore, if you have oily skin, then you definitely need to exfoliate - but not too hard and not too much!

Look for gentle, natural skin exfoliants like diluted apple cider vinegar or plain yogurt.

As for how often to exfoliate, a good place to start is once a week for the face and twice a week for the body. Pay close attention to how your skin responds, if the skin becomes red or irritated, consider toning it down. If you don't notice any difference or improvement, you may be able to increase the frequency slightly. Always consult a Doctor or a Dermatologist before beginning any new skin treatments to make sure you are choosing an effective and safe method for your skin.

3. Look For Oil-Control And Mattifying Products

If you have oily skin, you know how hard it is to get your makeup to last all day. It’s hard for your foundation and concealer to set right and as the day goes on, you shine right through it. That’s why finding the right products, best suited for your skin type is so important. For example, our Miracle 7-in-1 Primer Serum is specifically designed to balance oil production in the skin and to help your foundation apply flawlessly, and last all day.

A setting powder can also do wonders for extending makeup wear and controlling shine. In fact, we have just the right thing in mind. We call our proprietary Emani setting powder Bye Bye Shine for a reason. It’s specially formulated to work amazingly on any skin tone and type, and blends in amazingly to leave your complexion matte and shine-free all day, without looking flat.

4. Keep Calm

Stress can wreak some serious havoc throughout your body. It can mess with your digestion, your sleep habits and if you have oily skin...you know the drill, hello breakouts. In order for your skin to look the best it can, it’s so important to feel good too.

Spend time with your favorite stress-relieving activities. Whether it’s yoga and meditation, or a night out with friends, take advantage of the things that help you take care of yourself. Remember, self-care is just as important to your overall well-being as eating right and exercising! (By the way, if the holidays have you gritting your teeth, we have a few life hacks to keep you covered) 

5. Call In The Pros

When all else fails, it’s time to turn to the professionals. If you’re still having trouble handling your oily skin, try a facial. Do your research and find the right esthetician who knows how to handle oily skin and find the right solution for your skin type.

Still, concerned? Make an appointment with your dermatologist. As a doctor, they can help you develop a regiment to treat your oily skin, offer suggestions for improvement and monitor any changes in your complexion.

Don’t panic, you’ll be clearing up any oil slicks in no time!

How do you deal with extra oil and shine? Tell us your tips in the comments!